Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi
Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi of France speaks to the media after a news conference at the Suzuka circuit October 2, 2014. French driver Bianchi was taken to hospital after being seriously injured in a crash that brought a halt to a wet Japanese Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday. Picture taken October 2, 2014. Reuters

The Marussia Formula One Team has suffered a huge setback when one of their drivers, Jules Bianchi, crashed in Suzuka three weeks ago. As Bianchi fights for his life, the team vows to keep fighting to keep their place in the World Championship. Despite having made that announcement however, the team's recent actions have contradicted the claim as they withdraw from the upcoming USA Grand Prix.

Jules Bianchi crashed his car on the 43rd lap of the Suzuka Grand Prix earlier this month and the resulting head injuries have left him in a stable but critical condition in a Japanese hospital. No development has been reported on his health after his father described him to be in a desperate situation over a week ago.

The inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi was held a week after the crash and everyone was in a sombre mood. The Marussia team opted to run only one car in the race as a show of support to the ailing Bianchi. According to Marussia sporting director Graeme Lowdon, the gesture of not replacing Bianchi with a different driver for the race was a show of their appreciation and support for what he has done for the team. At this point Lowdon stated that the team's goal is to preserve the team's position in the world championship and not put to waste what Bianchi had done for the team.

Marussia currently lies in ninth position in the championship with the two points that Bianchi secured from the Monaco Grand Prix. The Sauber and Caterham teams currently lie lower than Marussia with neither team having been able to secure any points. If the team is able to hold its position, it could mean additional funding of $20 million next year according to Autosport.com.

Despite the Marussia team's intention to support their position in honour of their injured driver's efforts, their recent actions are contradicting the statement. Unfortunately, due to the team's financial struggle, they have opted not to participate in the upcoming USA Grand Prix in Austin, Texas along with the Caterham Team. The race is set to take place on Nov. 2.

"Neither of those two teams are going to go to America," said Formula One Supremo Bernie Ecclestone. The 83-year-old F1 boss also told Reuters that both teams are also likely to miss the Brazilian Grand Prix which will be held on Nov. 9. The final race in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 23 might be Marussia's only chance to advance further in the championship assuming also that Sauber won't over take them in the upcoming races that they will miss.